Finnair bracing for flight cancellations over pilot action

An aircraft operated by Finnair takes off at Tegel airport in Berlin on April 10, 2016. (Tobias Schwarz/AFP/Getty Images)

National airline Finnair has warned of the possibility of flight cancellations as pilots resort to industrial action during negotiations on a new collective agreement.

National airline Finnair announced Monday that it was making preparations for possible flight cancellations as pilots embark on a work-to-rule.

The pilots’ union is involved in collective bargaining negotiations with Finnair to secure new contracts to replace the agreements that expired on November 15.

As a result, pilots will not be available to operate additional flights or to substitute for sick employees. Finnair said that the work restrictions mean it may not have enough pilots to operate some flights.

The company said it likely would wet lease aircraft to substitute for flights cancelled on European routes.

Finnair said that it had already cancelled one long haul flight last Sunday. It advised passengers that confirmed cancellations will be announced on its website and that passengers whose flights had been cancelled can expect to receive alerts via text message or email.

Customers should therefore include phone numbers and email addresses in reservation details. Updates will also be provided on Facebook and Twitter.

Airline seals wages deal with cabin crew

Meanwhile the union representing service employers, Palta, and the Finnish Cabin Crew Union representing flight attendants and stewards have reached agreement with the national carrier over salaries and terms and conditions of work.

However the boards on both sides will still have to approve the deal before the two-year agreement can take effect.